civility
Americannoun
plural
civilities-
courtesy; politeness.
- Synonyms:
- tact, amiability, affability
-
a polite action or expression.
an exchange of civilities.
-
Archaic. civilization; culture; good breeding.
noun
-
politeness or courtesy, esp when formal
-
(often plural) an act of politeness
Other Word Forms
- overcivility noun
Etymology
Origin of civility
1350–1400; Middle English civilite < Middle French < Latin cīvīlitāt- (stem of cīvīlitās ) courtesy. See civil, -ity
Explanation
Civility is the act of showing regard for others by being polite, like the civility you showed in speaking kindly to someone who has hurt your feelings. Civility comes from the Latin word civilis, meaning "relating to public life, befitting a citizen," in other words, being friendly and nice to everyone. When you show civility, you use kindness and good manners. You are respectful, even if you do not like that person very much. Civility can also mean formal politeness, like your behavior at a fancy dinner.
Vocabulary lists containing civility
We the People: Civ
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Because I Could Not Stop for Death" by Emily Dickinson
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
By the time I arrived in Albuquerque several years on, they were past annoyed, past concern, well past neighborhood civility.
From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026
Vorderman's radio show was not on the "flagship" list and the issue with her posts was to do with civility, rather than impartiality.
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026
She added: “The lead dissent ignores ordinary principles of dignity and civility and demeans this court. Neither the parties nor the panel dissent found it necessary to invoke such crude and vitriolic language.”
From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026
The Transportation Department kicked off the 2025 holiday travel season with an admittedly unenforceable civility campaign aimed at bringing back “courtesy and class to air travel.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026
Elizabeth received them with all the forbearance of civility, and, at the request of the gentlemen, remained at the instrument till her ladyship’s carriage was ready to take them all home.
From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
